What is the KC Certification of Lithium Battery?
KC (Korea Certification) is a mandatory safety approval for many electrical products and components sold in South Korea, including lithium batteries used in consumer electronics, energy storage systems and industrial equipment. For battery manufacturers and pack assemblers, KC certification is a key gateway to the Korean market because it confirms that their products meet national safety and performance requirements.
For local importers, brands and end users, the KC mark signals that a lithium battery has been tested by accredited laboratories against Korean safety standards, with particular focus on electrical protection, thermal stability and fire risk control.
In this article, we will explain what KC certification is, why it is important for lithium batteries, give a practical overview of the certification process and highlight how KC compares with other major approvals such as CE, UL and PSE.
Part 1. What is KC Certification?
KC certification (Korea Certification) is South Korea’s mandatory safety approval scheme for many electrical and electronic products, including certain categories of lithium batteries and battery-powered equipment. The KC mark indicates that a product meets Korean safety, health and environmental requirements and has been evaluated according to applicable national standards.
For lithium batteries, KC certification confirms that the product satisfies defined safety and performance criteria, helping to prevent electrical, thermal and chemical hazards in real-world use.
Regulatory Background
KC certification is managed under the responsibility of the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), which operates under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).
KATS:
- Establishes technical regulations and standards for covered products, including lithium batteries
- Oversees accredited testing and certification bodies such as KTL and KETI
- Ensures that only products meeting Korean safety requirements can carry the KC mark and be legally sold
Through this framework, KC certification acts as a gatekeeper for product safety and quality in the Korean market.
Legal and Safety Requirements for Lithium Batteries
To obtain KC certification, lithium batteries must comply with specific legal and technical requirements, typically including:
- Electrical safety
Batteries must not pose a risk of electric shock, fire or ignition under normal or reasonably foreseeable misuse. Tests evaluate insulation, overcharge protection, short-circuit behavior and temperature rise. - Chemical safety
Cells and packs must not leak hazardous substances or present excessive toxicity risks. Requirements focus on chemical stability, sealing integrity and safe behavior under mechanical or thermal stress. - Performance and reliability
Batteries must function reliably in normal applications. Typical evaluations include capacity, charge–discharge behavior, cycle life and durability under specified environmental conditions.
These requirements protect users, distributors and the environment, ensuring that lithium batteries placed on the South Korean market are safe, reliable and of consistent quality.
Part 2. Importance of KC Certification for Lithium Batteries
KC certification is more than a formal approval; it has direct implications for safety, business, brand reputation and regulatory compliance.
Ensures Safety
KC testing verifies that lithium batteries meet Korean safety standards for electrical, thermal and chemical hazards. By passing these evaluations, batteries demonstrate that they can operate safely without causing electric shock, overheating, leakage or fire when used as intended.
Guarantees Quality
The KC process includes performance-related tests that assess capacity, stability and durability. Products that successfully pass these tests are better positioned to deliver consistent performance and longer service life, providing more reliable power for devices and systems.
Legal Requirement
For covered product categories, KC certification is a legal prerequisite for sale in South Korea. Without KC compliance, lithium batteries and battery-powered products can be blocked from distribution, rejected by retailers or subject to enforcement measures. Certification ensures that products align with national safety and quality regulations.
Builds Consumer and Customer Trust
The KC mark is widely recognized by Korean consumers, retailers and industrial buyers. When they see this mark, they know that the product has been tested according to Korean standards. This builds confidence in both the product and the brand, which can translate into higher sales and stronger long-term customer relationships.
Competitive Advantage
In a market where safety and quality are key decision factors, KC-certified lithium batteries stand out from uncertified or non-compliant products. Certification becomes a strong selling point in negotiations with Korean OEMs, distributors and channel partners.
Environmental Protection
KC-related standards increasingly consider aspects of safe handling, end-of-life treatment and recycling. Ensuring that batteries can be safely collected, transported and processed helps reduce the environmental impact of spent batteries and supports more sustainable practices.
Alignment With International Standards
KC requirements are often harmonized or aligned with major international standards (for example, IEC-based safety standards). This alignment makes it easier for manufacturers who already comply with IEC, UL or other schemes to adapt their products and documentation for the Korean market, reducing duplication of effort.
Reduces Liability and Business Risk
By meeting KC safety requirements, manufacturers and importers reduce the likelihood of accidents, recalls and legal disputes. Certification provides documented evidence that reasonable steps were taken to ensure product safety, which is important for risk management and brand protection.
Part 3. How to Obtain KC Certification for Lithium Batteries
The KC certification process for lithium batteries generally consists of three main phases: application and documentation, testing and evaluation, and certification and labeling.
Application and Documentation
Step-by-step overview:
- Preparation
Confirm that your lithium battery design is aligned with relevant Korean standards. Internal pre-testing and design reviews are strongly recommended to minimize failures during official testing. - Select a certification body
Choose an accredited Korean certification body or testing laboratory, such as KTL (Korea Testing Laboratory) or KETI (Korea Electronics Technology Institute), that is authorized to handle KC evaluations for your product category. - Submit application
Complete the application form provided by the certification body and provide detailed information on:- Battery chemistry and construction
- Electrical ratings and intended usage
- Mechanical design and protection circuitry
- Submit documentation
Typical documentation includes:- Technical specifications and drawings
- Safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS)
- Available test reports and certificates (IEC, UN 38.3, etc.)
- Quality management system documents (for example, ISO 9001)
- Application form and company information for the manufacturer and, if applicable, the Korean importer
- Pay fees
Pay the applicable fees for document review, testing and certification.
Testing and Evaluation
Once the application and documents are accepted, the certification body initiates the technical evaluation.
- Initial review
The submitted information is checked for completeness, product classification and basic conformity with the relevant Korean standards. - Laboratory testing
Representative battery samples are sent to an accredited laboratory. Typical tests include:- Electrical safety (overcharge, short circuit, insulation, abnormal conditions)
- Thermal behavior and stability
- Chemical safety and leakage behavior
- Performance testing
Depending on category and agreement, testing may also verify:- Capacity and voltage performance
- Charge–discharge cycle behavior
- Durability and stability under specified environmental conditions
- Safety and performance criteria
The battery must meet defined acceptance limits for electrical safety, temperature rise, thermal stability, chemical integrity and basic performance metrics.
Certification and Labeling
- Review of test results
The certification body evaluates all test reports, documents and any corrective measures taken during the project. - Issuance of KC certificate
If all requirements are met, the certification body issues a KC certificate or report confirming conformity with the applicable Korean standards. - Use of the KC mark
Once certified, the manufacturer or importer may affix the KC mark to the product and packaging according to the marking rules.
Guidelines for proper labeling and documentation:
- Display the KC mark clearly on the battery or battery-powered product, and on packaging where required
- Include the certification number and relevant product information linked to the KC approval
- Provide user manuals and safety instructions in accordance with Korean requirements
- Maintain complete records of certificates, test reports and technical documentation for inspections or renewals
Part 4. Comparison With Other International Certifications
KC vs CE Certification
Scope and region:
- KC certification
Applies to products sold in South Korea and confirms compliance with Korean safety and quality requirements. - CE marking
Applies to products sold in the European Union and EEA. It indicates conformity with relevant EU directives and regulations related to safety, health, EMC and environment.
Testing standards and approach:
- KC
Uses Korean industrial standards (often based on or aligned with IEC) and requires testing against specific electrical, thermal and safety criteria for the Korean market. - CE
Relies on EU harmonized EN standards. For most battery-related products, CE marking is based on manufacturer self-declaration, supported by appropriate test reports and technical documentation.
Regulatory bodies:
- KC
Managed by KATS under MOTIE, with testing and certification executed by accredited Korean laboratories and certification bodies. - CE
Overseen by market surveillance authorities in each EU member state. Notified Bodies are involved only for categories that require third-party assessment.
Applicability:
- KC certification
Mandatory for in-scope electrical products sold in South Korea. - CE marking
Mandatory for in-scope products sold in the EU and EEA.
KC vs UL Certification
Scope and recognition:
- KC
Government-backed mandatory approval scheme for the Korean market. - UL
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) provide widely accepted safety certifications, primarily for North America, often required by retailers and industrial customers.
Safety and performance focus:
- KC
Ensures compliance with Korean safety standards, including electrical, thermal and chemical safety for lithium batteries and related products. - UL
Focuses on safety and fire risk, with standards such as UL 1642, UL 2054, UL 2271 or UL 2580, depending on battery application. Performance aspects may also be evaluated, but the core emphasis is on safety.
Market implications of holding both KC and UL:
- Increased market access
KC plus UL allows manufacturers to access both Korean and North American markets with batteries that meet local expectations. - Enhanced credibility
Products carrying both marks signal a strong commitment to safety and quality, which is attractive to global OEMs, distributors and end users. - Competitive advantage
Dual certification supports differentiation in competitive tenders and B2B negotiations, especially with multinational customers that require recognized certifications in multiple regions. - Regulatory and commercial risk reduction
Meeting both Korean and North American requirements lowers the risk of regulatory problems, recalls and rejection by key customers, while helping maintain a strong brand reputation.
Part 5. FAQs
1 What types of lithium batteries require KC Certification?
Lithium batteries that fall within the scope of Korea’s electrical safety regulations and are intended for sale in South Korea generally require KC certification. This typically includes lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries used in consumer electronics, IT equipment, household devices and other regulated product categories.
For specific projects, manufacturers should confirm applicability with a Korean certification body, as requirements can vary by capacity, application and end product type.
2 Is KC Certification transferable to other countries?
No. KC certification is specific to South Korea and is not automatically recognized in other countries. When exporting lithium batteries to other markets, manufacturers usually need to obtain additional certifications such as CE, UL, PSE or local approvals, depending on the destination country’s regulations.
3 How long does it take to obtain KC Certification for lithium batteries?
The time required to obtain KC certification depends on several factors, including the complexity of the battery design, the completeness of the technical documentation and the workload of the selected certification body. In most cases, the process takes from several weeks to a few months, especially if design adjustments or retesting are needed.
4 What is KC EMC?
KC EMC refers to Korea’s Electromagnetic Compatibility certification under the KC scheme. It ensures that electronic products, including devices containing lithium batteries, comply with Korean electromagnetic emission and immunity requirements. In many cases, both safety (KC safety) and EMC approvals are needed for finished equipment.
5 What is the KCC standard?
“KCC” historically referred to approvals managed by the Korea Communications Commission for communications and radio equipment. Today, many of these requirements are integrated under the broader KC framework and overseen by the relevant ministries. In practice, products with wireless or communication functions must meet Korean radio and telecom standards in addition to safety and, where applicable, EMC requirements.
